Dorthy Lou Ward

Dorthy Lou Ward, age 92, passed away on November 16, 2025, in Springdale, Arkansas. She was born on March 10, 1933, in Monett, Missouri, to Walter Bea Fredrick and Anna Loretta Friend Fredrick. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Thomas H. Ward; her grandson, Sean Thomas Ward; her parents; and her siblings, Clarice Qualls, Paul Fredrick, Jim Fredrick, Betty Williams, Leon Fredrick, Louise Tryon, and Daniel Fredrick. She is survived by her son, Thomas H. Ward, Jr. (Karen); her daughter, Terry Kessinger (Forest); her granddaughter, Carrie Ward Lynch (Ryan); and her great-grandchildren, Josie Ward, Thomas Ward, and Katie Lynch. Dorthy grew up in Monett, Missouri, where she was active in sports and worked part-time at Gillioz Bank. Since her father worked for the Frisco Railroad, she enjoyed many traveling adventures with family and girlfriends. After high school graduation, she met her husband, Tom, in Wichita, Kansas, while staying with her sister. It was a whirlwind courtship, and they married three months after their first date. She used to laugh about that first date at a coffee shop where she only ordered coffee—which was a good thing, because he had just 25 cents. They lived in Tulsa, Minneapolis, and Hot Springs while Tom pursued a baseball career. After baseball, they lived in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Odessa, and Dallas before settling in Springdale. Dorthy worked as the bookkeeper for their gasoline bulk plant business. She and Tom were active members of First Presbyterian Church and Young Mariners, where they met lifelong friends. She later became a travel agent for World Wide Travel, launching a career she loved. After a move to Florida, she managed a travel agency on Sanibel Island and often talked about that time as a highlight of her life. Tom and Dorthy eventually relocated back to Arkansas to Hot Springs Village, where they owned the Village Resale Shop. She especially enjoyed playing bridge with several groups while living at the Village. After Tom passed away, Dorthy returned to Springdale to be nearer her son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed being a part of their lives and reconnecting with friends in Springdale. Although she battled dementia during her last years, Dorthy continued to enjoy her family. The family is grateful to Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale for their kind and compassionate care.

Dorthy Lou Ward

March 10, 1933 - November 16, 2025